A Court Martial is a special court that is set up to hear cases involving members of the armed forces who are accused of breaking military laws.
Not only enlisted personnel, but civilians can also be tried in a military court in certain situations. Retrospective trials can be held for crimes committed while the person was enlisted, or for civilians who were under military discipline, like those residing on a military base. Some crimes, like theft, fraud, and perjury, are common both in the military and civilian life. However, desertion and insubordination are exclusively military offenses.
The person accused of a crime can have a qualified barrister or solicitor represent them. Usually, it’s a barrister or Solicitor Advocate who presents the case, similar to how it’s done in the Crown Court. Additionally, a Defending Officer is assigned to help both the accused and the Advocate prepare for the case and the trial.
If you would like to learn more about our Court Martial services and how GSB can assist you, then please contact us for further information.
The court martial process can last anywhere from a few months to more than a year, depending on various factors like case complexity, charges, and witness availability.